Sulak Campground in Branch, MI

by John Rodgers / Monday, June 02, 2025 / Published in Michigan

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Sulak Campground in Branch, MI

ADDRESS
Township of Branch, MI 43.924428, -86.012759 Elevation: 791′
MANAGEMENT
Public – USDA Forest Service (231) 745-4631 This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Sulak Campground: This site is primarily used by anglers, hunters and families for camping. There is a short, 1/4 mile walk from the campsites to the river, through federal and state land. The river access is operated by the Michigan-DNRE.

About This Location

Sulak Campground in Branch, Michigan sits tucked in a quiet, natural setting—great for folks who want to enjoy the outdoors with family or friends. It’s a small, rustic place with well-spaced sites, right near a scenic river, so it’s a favorite for fishing, hunting, or just wandering along the water. Trails and waterways are close by, making it easy to slip into a slower, nature-focused pace.

If you’re after a laid-back camping experience—none of the chaos of crowded parks—this spot hits the mark. You can wander nearby hiking paths or hang out by the South Branch of the Pere Marquette River, just a short stroll from camp. Anglers and outdoor lovers seem to gravitate here.

Key Takeways

Campsites are quiet, spaced out, and close to the river.
You’ll have easy access to hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Facilities are basic and rustic, but you can park right by your site.

Sulak Campground In Branch, MI

Sulak Campground is a quiet, rustic camping spot near Branch, Michigan. It’s nestled inside the Huron-Manistee National Forest, so you’re close to outdoor activities in Manistee County, and not far from Lake and Wexford Counties. It’s easy to enjoy the woods here, with trails and water just a short walk away.

There are about 12 sites, all spaced nicely apart, each with a fire ring for cooking or staying warm. Families, anglers, and hunters will find it comfortable. The setup gives you a bit of privacy—always a plus. It’s just a quarter-mile walk from camp to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, which draws folks for fishing and spotting wildlife.

People mostly come here for recreation: fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. The local communities nearby add a little small-town flavor and provide some resources if you need them. Since the campground is pretty undeveloped, you’ll get that laid-back experience without the buzz of tourist crowds.

Feature	Description
Location	Near Branch, MI, in Manistee County
Campsites	12 well-spaced sites
Activities	Fishing, hunting, hiking
Nearby Areas	Lake County, Wexford County
Access	Close to Pere Marquette River trail

We use Sulak Campground to connect with nature and enjoy quiet outdoor recreation in Michigan’s forests.

Things To Do

Sulak Campground gives you quick access to several hiking trails. One of the better-known ones is the North Country Trail—it runs nearby and lets you wander through the woods at your own speed.

Fishing’s a big draw. You can cast a line into the Manistee River or the Pere Marquette River, both of which are close by and have a decent variety of fish.

If you’re into paddling, you’ll find canoeing and kayaking options, too. Launch points on the rivers aren’t far, and the water’s usually calm enough for beginners or anyone who just wants to float for a bit.

Hunting’s allowed in the area during the right seasons, but you’ll want to double-check local rules before heading out.

The camping areas offer big, flat spaces with picnic tables and fire pits, so it’s easy to wind down after a day outside.

Directions

To get to Sulak Campground, start in Baldwin, Michigan. Head west on 52nd Street for about 8.5 miles.

Turn right onto South Branch Road and go north for roughly 2.5 miles. That’ll take you straight to the campground entrance.

You’ll find Sulak Campground on South Branch Road, inside the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The official address is Sweetwater Township, MI 49402.

If you get turned around, call the campground office at (213) 745-4631 for help or updates on the roads.

The drive goes through forest roads, so take it slow—especially if the weather’s bad. Parking and camp spots are easy to spot once you roll in.

Vehicle Access

You can drive vehicles up to 25 feet long into Sulak Campground. That covers most cars, trucks, and smaller RVs.

From Highway 10, take a paved road for about 2.5 miles, then a short half-mile stretch of gravel before you reach camp.

Campsites line Sulak Road, and you can drive right up to your spot. Each site has a parking space, so unloading gear is a breeze.

Usually, the roads are in good shape, but the gravel part can get a little rough if it’s been raining. Take it easy if the ground’s soft.

It’s a short walk—maybe a quarter-mile—from the campsites to the river. You get a peaceful spot by the water, but your vehicle’s still close by.

The campground’s layout strikes a nice balance: easy vehicle access, but you’re still surrounded by nature. Works well for anglers, hunters, and families who want something simple and practical.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

Sulak Campground welcomes RVs and camping trailers, but it’s really best for smaller rigs. The sites are pretty big and flat, which makes parking and setup less of a hassle.

Each spot comes with a fire pit and picnic table—handy for cooking or just hanging out. There aren’t any electrical, water, or sewer hookups, though, so plan to camp off-grid.

You’ll reach the campground via a paved road from Highway 10. Most sites are spaced out enough for privacy and maneuvering trailers.

There’s a single vault toilet across the street from the campsites, but no full restrooms or showers. Be ready for basic conditions.

The river’s close by, just a short walk from camp. If you’re camping with a trailer, it’s a good spot to enjoy nature—as long as you’re prepared to handle your own water and power needs.

Paid Or Permit Sites

At Sulak Campground, the U.S. Forest Service manages all the sites. There aren’t any fees for staying in the designated campground, which is honestly a relief—nobody likes extra costs tacked onto a camping trip.

But if you’re thinking about rolling in with a big group (say, 75 people or more) or planning some kind of commercial event, you’ll need to get a permit. The forest service wants to keep the place from getting overrun, and, well, it makes sense. You have to apply for the permit in advance, so don’t leave it until the last minute.

There are twelve sites here, each with the basics: fire rings, picnic tables, and enough space to breathe. They’re not stacked right on top of each other, but don’t expect hookups for water or electricity. You’ll want to bring what you need and plan for a pretty simple setup.

If you’re the type who’d rather skip the official sites, dispersed camping is fair game—no fee, no permit. It’s a lot more flexible, but you’ll have to do without the usual comforts, and there’s zero guarantee of privacy or amenities. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want, though, isn’t it?